Doron Ezickson OpEd: Reform hate crime laws

Doron F. Ezickson

Too often these days, it is tragedy, not triumph that unites our communities in solidarity. The forces of bigotry and white supremacy threaten the vibrant, diverse and connected society we are building in Virginia and the values that lie at its foundation. But we must remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and the belief in the fair treatment of all.

Throughout our Commonwealth — and across the country — we have witnessed an increase in hate, violence, xenophobic rhetoric and bias-motivated actions targeting Jews, Muslims, immigrants, people of color and LGBTQ individuals. And while some seek to sow the seeds of division and marginalize us, we cannot allow these forces to succeed. One vital step in this effort is to ensure our laws protect our diversity and acknowledge the fullness of our identities.

In the face of this growing challenge, communities are demanding that their elected officials prioritize the issue of hate crimes — here in Virginia we don’t have to ask. Attorney General Mark Herring has proactively prioritized outreach to communities victimized by hateful rhetoric and ideologies and built an agenda to fight hate in-state. It is incumbent upon those who believe in equality, justice, and civil rights to support his efforts.

If you question the urgency of this issue, please consider the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics report, which cited that Virginia recorded 193 hate crimes in 2017, a 58 percent increase from the 122 hate crimes reported in 2016. Let’s break the 2017 statistics down even further:

These numbers are cause for alarm and a call to action. While there are many things we need to do, the most important and basic step Virginia can take is to ensure that its hate crime laws are comprehensive and fully inclusive. Acknowledging and protecting all victims of hate crimes — those targeted simply becuase of who they are — is critical to building community trust promoting deterrence, both of which are vital to eradicating hate.

Unfortunately, Virginia’s current hate crime statute does not include protections for victims who are targeted based on actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Attorney General Mark Herring is proposing, for the third time, legislation that would change the definition to include these protected categories. The change is long overdue, and we must continue to insist on its adoption.

These crimes merit a priority response because of their unique impact on the victim and the victim's community. The damage done by hate crimes cannot be measured solely in terms of physical injury or dollars and cents. Hate crimes can effectively intimidate other members of the victim's community, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected. By making members of minority communities fearful, angry, and suspicious of other groups — and of the power structure that is supposed to protect them — these incidents damage the fabric of our society and fragment communities.

From Charlottesville to Pittsburgh, we have seen the deadly impact hateful ideologies can have. We continue to see intimidating messages scrawled on the walls of our community centers, voiced in social and traditional media, and heard in the rhetoric of elected leaders.

ADL believes, and hopes you do to, that Virginia can be viewed as a leader among the states in ensuring that its citizens — ALL its citizens — feel safe, welcome and included. As we begin the New Year, and our elected leaders return to Richmond this January, make sure that they hear your voice and share your vision for a more inclusive and welcoming Commonwealth, one that rejects hate and transforms tragedy into triumph.